Sarah over at Digital Motherhood has challenged me to share 10 things that make me happy. It can be really easy to focus on the challenges that come with parenting (and life in general!), so I am more than happy to stop and take a minute to think of the blessings around me.

I would like to challenge you all to take a minute and think about your own list. Just one minute to name some things that make you happy. How long does it take you to come up with 10?

In no particular order here are 10 things that make me happy.

1. My son’s face in the morning (well, all the

time, but especially in the morning.)

In the morning, Peanut usually wakes up and yells or talks to himself until I go to get him out of bed. Once I walk into the room, he lifts his head and smiles at me. It is possibly the most excited that I have ever seen anyone. He is so happy and ready for a new day. I wish we all woke up like that every morning!

2. Going to church with my family

My husband works every other weekend, so we don’t make it to church all together as often as I would like to. It’s a great way to start our day together, see the other families, and set the right mindset for the start of a new week.

3. A cup of coffee and some quiet time in the morning

My days are always better if I have some time to sit down, enjoy my coffee, and relax in the morning. Most days I just sip between exercises as I get right into some Pilates. That is good enough for my daily routine, but sitting and calmly drinking my coffee has turned into a real treat.

4. Spending time outside in the summer

I think this one is kind of a no brainer. Doesn’t everyone like getting some fresh air and sunshine?? I really hope so.

5. My husband

My husband really is the best friend that I take for granted. He is always there for our family, and works hard to take care of us. Spending time with him makes me happy, and I really should remind myself of that more frequently.

6. Having a glass of wine with my friends and family

My husband and I will frequently have a glass of wine with dinner. It’s nice…but not as good as the after dinner glass of wine that I drink sitting on the couch or patio. Having a nice glass of wine is a great addition to any social event – having friends over, going on a boat ride, taking a family vacation, watching a play or concert. Now we are members of a great wine club, which we use to learn about wine with friends.

7. Cleaning the house

How domestic of me, right? We have gotten so busy that it is nearly impossible to keep our house as clean as I want it to be! If I have the time to pick up and clean my house thoroughly, I feel so much better. I am happy to just sit in my nice clean home.

8. Making a nice, organized list

There is something about writing things down that makes everything seem calmer and more achievable. I truly enjoy sitting down to make a nice grocery list – sorted into departments, or create a new spreadsheet to track finances for a project.

9. My siblings

I come from a big family! I am the oldest of 5 and now have the addition of even more siblings through marriages and relationships. When I was younger everyone told me to stop fighting with my brothers and sisters because I would love them and miss them someday. I love them all, and getting together or talking to them always makes me happy.

10. Exercise

I am a fitness junky! Much less so recently since I now have a baby, a full-time job, a blog, and a side business to run….but I still make sure to find time for fitness. I usually get up early to start my day with the aforementioned coffee and Pilates. I also really love a good core or yoga class, but these are usually confined to Saturday mornings for me now. Starting off my day with some good exercise always starts off my day in a good mood.

Well, there you have have it. Those are 10 things that make me happy. Now I am challenging these 10 ladies to post lists of their own. Don’t forget to tag me in your post. I can’t wait to read them. 🙂

Bee at The Wordy Mom
Tina at Eclectic Twist
Juli at Mostly Caffinated
Tori at Coffee Beans and Bliss
Michelle at Most Awesome Mom
Michelle at Life of an Imperfect Mom
Samantha at Me, Myself, Mommy
Jordan at Read, Eat, Repeat
Kayla at Adventures of a Young Mother
Karen at Mama Bear Says

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